Five things we learned: City v Perth

It wasn’t the result we wanted but there were plenty of lessons learned. See out top five from City v Glory

Bruno’s on his way

It’s two from two for Bruno Fornaroli and our star striker is well on his way for the 2016/17 season. Questions were asked if Bruno would have the same effect on the league as he did last year but he’s definitely proving the doubters wrong after three matches.

His hold-up play was sublime and with even more firepower around him this season, the opposition’s ability to double and even triple play him will be at their own detriment. Our favourite moment from him on Friday night wasn’t the expertly taken penalty but the amazing turn on Dino Djulbic that somehow stayed out of the net after deflecting off a Glory defender and onto the post.

Get used to the tactics

It wasn’t pretty football from Perth but it got the job done. Kenny Lowe’s men came to Melbourne with a clear game plan and executed it to a tee. Their tight defensive blocks, physical pressure and speed on the counter attack were hard to deal with and it was obvious with the frustrations that spilled over on the park.

The whole league would have been watching how Perth picked City’s lock on Friday and don’t be surprised if the same tactics are used against us for the rest of the season. Now will be the test of how we deal with this and how we show resolve to ensure that we can breakdown opposition sides in the future.

Cheeky Nandos

The cult figure that is Fernando Brandan has officially introduced himself to Melbourne. His second half performance almost won the game for City with his 60’ minute goal and an effort that fizzed inches over the bar, not to mention his ability to stroll past Josh Risdon, one of the best full-backs in the league.

It’s early days and we know more and more opposition teams will do their homework on him but we feel Fernando will be the perfect complement to Bruno Fornaroli and Bruce Kamau in our front three and can’t wait to see more from him.

Rain rain go away!

Melbourne was being Melbourne on Friday. Wind and plenty of rain dampened the mood for our first home match of the season and it almost translated on the pitch.

The cold snap that hit Melbourne couldn’t have come at a worse time for us but the best is yet to come! With a home match this Friday night, the Champions in town and much, much better weather forecasted, there is no excuse to head out to AAMI Park for Friday night football and be the 12th man.

Not long to dwell on it

As we saw on Friday night, football is a funny game from week to week and we will have the chance to redeem ourselves on Tuesday in the Westfield FFA Cup. It was only last weekend we played one of our best all-round performances as a Club and there is no way you can ride off the boys coming into this contest.

The chance for our first senior piece of silverware is up for grabs and we thing that is motivation enough for us to bounce back and be ready for this contest and Friday’s league match against Adelaide. Championships are not won or lost in the opening three matches of the season – just look at Adelaide’s run last year – and we think we have the side to push far into the Finals Series this season.